Power Speaks Loudest (Living Ice Book 8): A Portal Progression Fantasy Series

Living Ice #8

by Dmitry Sheleg

The next book of the series!
Frostbound Power (Living Ice Book 9):

Ivan Morozov has clawed his way to the heights of power and influence where few dare to tread, contending with the Empire's real movers and shakers. And in their world, power needs to be proven daily.

Will Ivan once again rise to the occasion — when his enemies are about to launch an underhanded and unexpected attack at things he holds dearest?

Genres: Fantasy

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2025

Reviews

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⚝ ⚝ (3/5)

When power is no longer something you chase—but something you must constantly defend—the real battle begins. Power Speaks Loudest (Living Ice Book 8) by Dmitry Sheleg pushes the series into a more dangerous, politically charged phase, where influence matters as much as strength—and where losing either can be fatal.

By this point in the Living Ice series, Ivan Morozov is no longer the underdog. He has risen into the ranks of the Empire’s elite, standing among figures who shape the world rather than react to it. But with that elevation comes a shift in stakes: survival is no longer about monsters or raw combat—it’s about navigating power structures, alliances, and betrayal.

This volume is less about gaining power—and more about proving it. Ivan’s position is constantly tested, not just through external threats, but through calculated moves by enemies operating in shadows. The tension comes from unpredictability: attacks are no longer straightforward, but strategic and personal, targeting what he values most.

In a world of power players, strength alone isn’t enough—you must justify your place every single day.

What stands out in this installment is its tonal maturity. The narrative feels heavier, more deliberate. The consequences are sharper, and the cost of power is no longer abstract—it’s personal. Losses matter, alliances feel fragile, and victories are rarely clean. The series continues its strength of showing that progression isn’t just upward—it’s often painful and unstable.

Strengths:

Elevated stakes: The shift from survival to political maneuvering adds depth and tension.
Consistent progression: Ivan’s growth feels earned, shaped by long-term struggle rather than sudden leaps.
Layered conflicts: Multiple factions and hidden agendas create a dynamic, unpredictable narrative.

Weaknesses:

Action-heavy imbalance: Combat and conflict sometimes overshadow emotional development.
Rushed resolution: Certain climactic moments feel compressed, reducing their full impact.
Familiar structure: Despite higher stakes, the underlying progression loop remains recognizable.

Critically, Power Speaks Loudest succeeds in evolving the scale of the story but not always its emotional depth. The protagonist is compelling in his determination and adaptability, yet his internal transformation remains subtle. The narrative prioritizes momentum and intrigue over introspection, which keeps it engaging—but occasionally limits its resonance.

The looming attack on what Ivan holds dear reinforces the central theme: power invites not just ambition, but vulnerability—setting up even greater consequences for the next installment.

Final verdict: This is a strong continuation that shifts the series into a more complex, high-stakes arena. It may not fully escape its structural patterns, but it deepens the world and raises the cost of power in meaningful ways.

A tense, politically charged installment that proves in this world, power isn’t just earned—it’s constantly challenged.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is turning into one of my favorite series. yes it's got great action but it's also got something that a lot of the Russian stories don't. casualties. in most other books by magic dome there are really any casualties close to the main character by the end of the book everybody's saved healed up minor wounds. that is not the case in this series. the main character loses retainers, friends, family members, at what I perceive to be a normal pace with all the combat that he is involved in. I'm starting to have some real fun with this series. it's really starting to pick up. yes my review is based off of my arc copy. I did not find a lot of mistakes, maybe six. I sent the list to the publisher, they will be fixed. anyway I hope you've been enjoying the series like I have and I hope you continue to enjoy it.

9/10

[Randowne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still good and easy to read. I'm starting to hate how each book ends, though. It's like his editor suddenly says, "Hey, you’ve got 20 pages left—wrap it up!"
It breaks the balance of the story and kind of diminishes the impact of what's happening at that point. Imagine if it's a major event—that kind of rushed ending really undermines it.
Is it edited differently in the Russian version?

[Quentanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending broke my heart aghhhhh I’m so mad. Honestly idek what to say and I feel like the situation only going to get worse. Anyways binge another series and enjoyed the twist and turns along the way. I will say the characters besides Ivan are very multi-dimensional and the plot doesn’t revolve around the protagonist. Everyone has their own motivations and will do anything to achieve them. Honestly the series went a different route than I expected and I’m glad for it 👌🏾.

[Murphies_law · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book outstanding.

The book had great pacing, action, romance, intrigue, tragedy and finished some story lines. The intrigues from the church and the government were really monstrous but sadly realistic.

The prophecy still makes no sense though.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still good, but it focused a little too much on fighting and not enough on relationships.

[Mary K Shanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good read

Continues the story. Lots of action with good background and secondary characters. Sets up the next book in the story, looking forward to reading it.

[Michael Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone

[Julie French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I have really enjoyed the series and am looking forward to the next one. The story moves along and was I interesting and well written

[Corey Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Great MC. There are real consequences. The author.has created a fierce MC that is not perfect!y likeable, he earns it. The characters a free are great.